Publication:

Efficacy of analgesics in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff at Gujarat Adani institute of medical science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat

Background To evaluate analgesic efficacy when catheters are positioned with assistance of arthroscope to block suprascapular and axillary nerves in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff under general anesthesia.

Methods Present study was performed at department of orthopedics, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat. 24 patients who experienced arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff between July 2015 and October 2015 were catheterized to block suprascapular and axillary nerves through shoulder arthroscopy were incorporated in the study. Clinical outcomes were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) scores preoperatively and at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, and postoperative day 2.

Results Preoperative and postoperative 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, 24 h, and day 2 mean VAS scores were 6.37±0.91, 0.45±0.39, 0.59±0.40, 0.62±0.39, 0.61±0.42, 0.51±0.35, and 1.54±0.50, respectively. No statistical difference was found among 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h time points; however, assessment of postoperative day 2 and postoperative 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18h and 24 h VAS scores showed statistically significant difference (P <0.05). All patients were discharged at the end of 24 h with no complication. The mean time (in minutes) required for blocking suprascapular nerve and axillar nerve were 14.38±3.21 and 3.75±0.85, respectively.

Conclusions These results confirmed that blocking two nerves with arthroscopic approach was an excellent pain management method in postoperative period. Accordingly, patients could recover rapidly and patients’ satisfaction could be improved.